If you're considering divorce or have been served papers, you're likely feeling overwhelmed and worried about your children's future and financial security. I'm Sierra Hansen, a Utah family law attorney who helps families navigate these challenges through the right level of support. Whether you need full legal representation or cost-effective alternatives like mediation and document assistance, my team will guide you to the best solution for your situation.
Every family's situation is different, and so are their legal needs and financial circumstances. That's why I've developed a comprehensive approach that provides options at different service levels:
(Through Cottingham Hall): For complex cases involving significant assets, business ownership, high-conflict custody disputes, or when you need an experienced advocate handling every aspect of your case.
(Through Lone Peak Law): For couples who want to work together toward fair solutions through mediation, collaborative divorce, or settlement negotiations—typically more cost-effective and less contentious than traditional litigation.
(Through Lone Peak Law): For straightforward cases where you understand your situation but need help with proper paperwork, filings, and ensuring everything is completed correctly.
Your household income exceeds $100,000 annually
You own real estate or significant assets
Your spouse owns a business or has complex finances
You're facing a high-conflict custody situation
You suspect hidden assets or financial deception
Your spouse has already hired an attorney
You and your spouse want to avoid court
You're committed to fair negotiations
You want more control over the process and timeline
You prefer privacy and reduced stress for your family
Cost efficiency is important to you
You have an uncontested divorce with basic issues
You've already reached agreements on major matters
You primarily need help with proper paperwork and filing
You want legal guidance without full representation
I practice through two complementary platforms to serve different client needs:
Cottingham Hall Partnership: For complex cases requiring full representation, I practice through Cottingham Hall, a firm with over 150 years of Utah legal tradition. This provides access to extensive resources, established relationships, and institutional support for challenging cases.
Lone Peak Law Services: For collaborative solutions and document assistance, I maintain specialized Lone Peak Law services focused on cost-effective alternatives and access to justice for Utah families.
This dual approach means you get the right level of service for your specific needs and circumstances.
When you have complex financial assets, retirement accounts, or business interests, proper division requires expertise and attention to detail. I ensure every asset is properly valued and fairly divided, protecting your financial future and preventing costly oversights that could impact you for years to come.
Your children's wellbeing is paramount during this transition. I work to establish custody arrangements that truly serve your children's best interests while protecting your parental rights. My experience as a Court-approved Private Guardian Ad Litem gives me specialized insight into what arrangements work best for families.
Complex financial portfolios, investment accounts, and valuable property require sophisticated analysis and strategic negotiation. I have the experience to navigate intricate asset division, ensuring you receive your fair share and that hidden assets don't go undiscovered.
Understanding what qualifies as marital debt and ensuring fair distribution is crucial to your financial recovery. I help clarify debt responsibilities and negotiate equitable solutions so you're not unfairly burdened with obligations that aren't rightfully yours.
Financial stability for you and your children depends on fair support arrangements. I'm skilled in both negotiating reasonable agreements and litigating when necessary to secure support that reflects your family's actual needs and circumstances.
Whether you're seeking fair spousal support or working to minimize excessive alimony obligations, I have the experience to advocate effectively for arrangements that make financial sense for your situation and future goals.
Utah law requires mediation in most divorce cases, and I can help you make the most of this process. Effective mediation is often quicker, more cost-effective, and less stressful while giving you more control over the outcomes that will shape your future.
When your ex-spouse isn't following court orders, you need someone who will take action. I have extensive experience enforcing divorce decrees and ensuring you receive the support and arrangements you're legally entitled to receive.
Life circumstances change, and your divorce agreement may need to change with them. I can help modify child custody arrangements, support obligations, or other terms to ensure your agreement accurately reflects your current needs and situation.
If you're considering separation before divorce, proper legal guidance is essential. I help couples navigate the temporary separation process, ensuring your rights are protected and terms are clearly defined during this transitional period.
Whether you're seeking to establish paternity for child support purposes or to secure parental rights and relationships, I guide you through the legal process to protect both your interests and your child's future.
Family law guardianship matters require understanding of complex legal requirements and genuine care for vulnerable family members. I help families navigate guardianship proceedings to ensure proper protection and care arrangements.
Following divorce or for other personal reasons, changing your name legally requires proper documentation and process. I guide you through the necessary steps efficiently, ensuring your name change is processed correctly and without complications.
Sierra graduated with Honors from the University of Utah, S.J. Quinney College of Law. She is a Family Law Attorney in Utah as well as a member of the Salt Lake City Estate Planning Council.
Sierra interned with the Salt Lake District Attorney’s office as a Law Clerk for the Major Crimes Unit before opening Hansen & Horton Law in 2021. She also spends as much time as possible doing pro bono work and was recognized in 2020 in Salt Lake County for her contribution to the Landlord/Tenant Volunteer Calendar that year. She continues to volunteer for Eviction and Family Law calendars each week.
Sierra also interned as the first law clerk for the new non-profit organization, People’s Legal Aid, which provides Utah tenants with representation in civil court when they are in the eviction process. As a law clerk, she argued many cases of first impression before the court as it grappled with both new federal eviction moratoriums that conflicted with Utah law and state pandemic responses.
During law school, Sierra won a Best Oralist award after competing in the Traynor Moot Court competition at the University of Utah. She brings her talent for oral advocacy and her passion for helping people to her clients as they navigate mediations and the legal system in Utah.
Rather than offering only one type of service, I provide multiple pathways to legal solutions, ensuring you get the right level of support for your specific situation and budget.
Our consultation triage process will help determine this based on your specific circumstances, including asset complexity, income level, conflict level, and your goals for the process.
Full representation involves traditional hourly billing for comprehensive legal services. Mediation is typically charged per session or as a flat fee for complete mediation services. Document assistance often involves flat fees for specific services.
Yes, we can often transition between service levels as your needs become clearer or circumstances change.
Yes, I specialize in complex cases involving significant assets, business ownership, retirement accounts, and intricate financial portfolios. My prosecutorial background helps me investigate and uncover hidden assets.
This depends on the service level and complexity. Document assistance can often begin within days, mediation can typically be scheduled within 1-2 weeks, and full representation consultations are scheduled based on case complexity and urgency.
I have extensive experience with enforcement actions and high-conflict situations. I am prepared to handle difficult opponents and ensure court orders are followed.
Utah requires a 90-day waiting period for divorce, but complex cases often take longer depending on asset division, custody arrangements, and cooperation between parties. I'll give you realistic timelines based on your specific situation.
Yes, we can often transition between service levels as your needs become clearer or circumstances change.
While simple, uncontested divorces might not require representation, any case involving children, significant assets, business ownership, or an uncooperative spouse benefits from experienced legal representation to protect your rights and interests.
I represent clients throughout Salt Lake County, Utah County, and Davis County, including the following cities and surrounding communities:
Bluffdale, Cottonwood Heights, Draper, Herriman, Holladay, Kearns, Magna, Midvale, Millcreek, Murray, Riverton, Salt Lake City, Sandy, South Jordan, South Salt Lake, Taylorsville, West Jordan, West Valley City, White City
Alpine, American Fork, Cedar Fort, Cedar Hills, Eagle Mountain, Elk Ridge, Fairfield, Genola, Goshen, Highland, Lehi, Lindon, Mapleton, Orem, Payson, Pleasant Grove, Provo, Salem, Santaquin, Saratoga Springs, Spanish Fork, Springville, Vineyard, Woodland Hills
Bountiful, Centerville, Clearfield, Clinton, Farmington, Fruit Heights, Kaysville, Layton, North Salt Lake, South Weber, Sunset, Syracuse, West Bountiful, West Point, Woods Cross
You don't have to commit to anything to get answers about your situation. Call or text my office to discuss your case and learn about your options under Utah law. We’ll help you understand what you're facing and what steps make sense for your circumstances. Many clients find that just talking through their situation provides tremendous relief and clarity.